McDonald's Australia Switching To Eco-Friendly Coffee

May 27, 2008 6:50 a.m. EST

Sydney, Australia (AHN) - Global fast food giant McDonald's recently announced that starting May of next year its McCafe outlets will be selling coffee made from beans grown under environmentally-friendly conditions.

In an effort to join the fast-spreading environmental corporate campaigns, McDonald's will be selling brews made from coffee that was put through thorough inspection by a non-profit conservation organization Rainforest Alliance. This mandate would require the import of about 500 tonnes of coffee from various areas of South America, including Brazil and Colombia.

This coffee will replace those currently being sold in all the 484 McCafes in the country.

According to CEO Catriona Noble, the switch was the result of research that revealed the intention to make a positive input in the global betterment campaign had become a mainstream subject, and that purchasing a "sustainable" cup of coffee was a way for people to make contributions.

According to the Courier Mail, the Rainforest Alliance has recognized the brand's "green" decision, and has acknowledged its "exceptional" effect.

"Serving this product and informing the consumer will have an enormous impact," said Sabrina Vigilante, the Alliance's CEO.

The brand's decision to join the environmental movement puts it in league with other companies that have reportedly jumped into a more eco-aware market that has been rapidly growing over the years.

Other coffee chains taking a more eco-friendly stance include Starbucks, and Gloria Jeans.